Rams draft in general — tweets n bits n posts n articles etc.

Los Angeles Finishes Sixth Round by Selecting Demby, Joseph, and Young

Kristen Lago

http://www.therams.com/news-and-events/article-1/Los-Angeles-Finishes-Sixth-Round-by-Selecting-Demby-Joseph-and-Young/6ff7ed7c-b064-4c9a-8bd0-9be61dd726c8

The Rams rounded out the sixth round with three picks in fairly quick succession, selecting offensive lineman Jamil Demby, defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph, and outside linebacker Trevon Young. The three players make up the No.192, No. 195, and No. 205 overall picks in the sixth round.

L.A. was originally slated to pick at No. 194 and No. 197, but sent those picks to Atlanta and Washington respectively, in exchange for the No. 205 slot and two seventh-rounders.

Demby joins Joseph Noteboom and Brian Allen as the three newest additions to the club’s offensive line room. Throughout the draft, general manager Les Snead made bringing in several promising, young linemen a priority — hoping to develop them under veteran players like Andrew Whitworth and John Sullivan.

Listed at 6-foot-5 and 319 pounds, the Maine product kicked off his final season as a CAA All-Conference selection and a third-team FCS All-American. Coming from a pass-heavy offense, scouts project he will develop well inside to guard. And after a strong performance in the Senior Bowl, many believe he has the skills necessary to excel as an eventual starter.

The franchise also added further depth on the defensive line through the addition of Joseph. The three-year starter from Rutgers played in all 12 games of his senior season and was named an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention. He showcased his durability and athleticism on the line, starting in 49 consecutive contests to end his career.
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PHOTOS: Rams 6th Round Selection Trevon Young

Joseph totaled 41 tackles, 4.5 for loss, 1.5 sacks and one forced fumble in 2017 to finish as the Homel Hazel Award recipient — given to the Rutgers’ football team’s most valuable player.

Young closed out the Rams’ sixth round selections at No. 205. After posting 8.5 sacks in 2015, the All-ACC talent suffered a fractured hip in Louisville’s bowl game, causing him to miss the entire 2016 season. But after returning for his senior season the following year, Young finished with 62 tackles, 12 for loss, 4.5 sacks and five pass breakups.

His 6-foot-4, 258 pound frame makes him a nice fit on the edge and if he remains healthy, Young should provide some needed depth to the Rams’ linebacker core

Los Angeles Rams’ 2018 draft: Analysis for every pick

Alden Gonzalez

http://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles-rams/post/_/id/38333/los-angeles-rams-2018-draft-analysis-for-every-selection

Breaking down the Los Angeles Rams’ 2018 draft class.

Round 3, No. 89 overall: Joe Noteboom, OT, TCU

My take: Noteboom, 6-foot-5 and 309 pounds, played right tackle as a sophomore in 2015, then switched to left tackle in 2016 and 2017, never once missing a game. He is athletic, but could stand to add more muscle in the NFL. He has good technique, but has also struggled with consistency. Noteboom ran a 4.92 40-yard dash, one of the fastest among offensive linemen. Rams coach Sean McVay noted Noteboom’s “ability to get removal in the run game, but also to be able to just cover people up in protection. I watched the way that he can change angles; he understands those types of things.”
How he fits: The Rams return all five starters from last season’s offensive line, but they entered this draft with a need to build that next wave. Their left tackle, Andrew Whitworth, is 36 years old. Their right tackle, Robert Havenstein, can be an unrestricted free agent next offseason. Noteboom visited the Rams’ facility, met with them formally at the combine and was scouted by them closely at the Senior Bowl. Noteboom called this “the perfect spot” and said Whitworth is “a perfect guy to learn from.”

“Joe’s a lucky man,” Rams general manager Les Snead said, noting that he can learn from Whitworth, Havenstein and offensive line coach Aaron Kromer.

Round 4, No. 111 overall: Brian Allen, C, Michigan State

My take: Allen, 6-foot-1 and 298 pounds, entered the draft with a “center only” designation, but said shortly after being drafted that he is just as comfortable at both guard spots as he is at center. Allen spent all of his time at center during his senior year in 2017, earning second-team All-Big Ten honors. But he spent plenty of time at both guard spots in his previous three seasons. He was a champion wrestler in high school and is considered physical at the point of attack.

How he fits: Much like Noteboom, taken in Friday’s third round, Allen fits as part of that next wave of offensive linemen. On the Rams, Allen can learn from veteran interior linemen such as John Sullivan and Rodger Saffold. Allen said Sullivan is “someone I’ve always looked up to” and hopes he doesn’t “annoy him too much” with questions. Of the Rams’ 10 picks since 2017, eight have now played in the Senior Bowl, Allen included.

Round 4, No. 135 overall: John Franklin-Meyers, DE, Stephen F. Austin

My take: It took a while, but the Rams finally acquired an edge rusher, their greatest need heading into the draft. Franklin-Meyers spent his first three years as a stand-up defensive end, then switched to 3-technique amid a scheme change during his senior year. Franklin-Meyers, 6-foot-4 and 283 pounds, compiled 27.5 tackles for loss as a junior and senior, getting named first-team All-Southland Conference in 2016 and second-team All-Southland Conference in 2017.

How he fits: The Rams see Franklin-Meyers mostly as a 5-technique, a spot that is currently filled by starter Michael Brockers and backup Dominique Easley. As things stand, Franklin-Meyers could compete for playing time in sub packages. He profiles best as a 3-4 defensive end and has some intriguing upside if he can improve his technique. His wingspan was more than 82 inches at the NFLPA game.

Round 5, No. 148 overall: Micah Kiser, LB, Virginia

My take: Kiser might be the most polished player the Rams have taken up to this point. He’s coming off a very productive college career — he compiled 33½ tackles for loss, 19 sacks, 12 passes defended and eight sacks in 37 games in the last three seasons at Virginia. He finished his senior year as a third-team All-America choice and first-team All-ACC.

How he fits: Kiser might have a chance to earn some playing time. The Rams have one solidified inside linebacker spot with Mark Barron, but the other, in base sets, is seemingly up for grabs, previously between Cory Littleton, Ramik Wilson and Bryce Hager. Kiser could be a good fit against the run, but his coverage skills have been called into question.

Round 5, No. 160 overall: Obo Okoronkwo, LB, Oklahoma

My take: Okoronkwo shared the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year Award with Texas linebacker Malik Jefferson in 2017 and was named second-team All-Big 12 in 2016. As a starter those two seasons, Okoronkwo compiled 19 tackles for loss, 17 sacks, five passes defended and five forced fumbles in 26 games. Listed at 6-foot-2 and 253 pounds, Okoronkwo doesn’t have the physical attributes of an elite edge rusher. However, he brings a good motor and aggression, according to NFL.com draft expert Lance Zierlein.

How he fits: On the Rams, Okoronkwo is going to get to do what he does best — rush the passer. The Rams are without their two starting outside linebackers from last season, with Robert Quinn dealt to the Miami Dolphins and Connor Barwin still unsigned as a free agent. Okoronkwo can compete for playing time along with Matt Longacre and Samson Ebukam. Rams defensive coordinator Wade Phillips could do wonders for his career. “That’s an edge rusher’s dream to play in L.A. right now,” Okoronkwo said.

Round 6, No. 176 overall: John Kelly, RB, Tennessee

My take: Kelly was teammates with Alvin Kamara, who exploded onto the scene as a rookie third-round pick with the New Orleans Saints last season. Kamara’s absence prompted Kelly to take on more of a workload as a pass-catching running back, and he responded with 37 catches for 299 yards as a junior in 2017. He finished his collegiate career with 1,573 rushing yards on 327 attempts, an average of 4.8 yards per carry.

How he fits: Kelly seems to fit as a change-of-pace running back for Todd Gurley, a role the Rams were hoping would be occupied by Lance Dunbar last season. Kelly is listed at 5-foot-10 and 216 pounds. He is a bit undersized, but is considered a tough runner who can play all three downs if needed.

Round 6, No. 192 overall: Jamil Demby, OT, Maine

My take: Demby, 6-foot-5 and 319 pounds, was a four-year starter at left tackle. He isn’t an elite athlete, but he is considered a smart player with an ability to punch, move his feet and anchor in pass protection, according to NFL.com draft expert Lance Zierlein.

How he fits: Demby is the third offensive lineman taken by the Rams in this draft, after tackle Joseph Noteboom and center Brian Allen. The Rams may use him at guard, as insurance for Rodger Saffold and Jamon Brown, who can both be unrestricted free agents next offseason.

Round 6, No. 195 overall: Sebastian Joseph, DT, Rutgers

My take: Listed at 6-foot-4, 304 pounds, Joseph spent time as a 3-technique before moving to nose tackle. The redshirt senior is considered tough, athletic and quick. He can be a capable run defender, but there are questions about him as a pass-rusher.

How he fits: The Rams have a lot of talented interior linemen, starting with Aaron Donald, Ndamukong Suh and Michael Brockers. Joseph can fit in behind them if they move Ethan Westbrooks back to defensive end.

Round 6, No. 205 overall: Trevon Young, DE, Louisville

My take: Young suffered a major hip injury during a 2015 bowl game that prompted him to miss the 2016 season. But he returned in 2017 and started 12 of 13 games, finishing with 12 tackles for loss, 4 1/2 sacks and five pass breakups. He has good length but needs more power at the point of attack.

How he fits: Young spent most of his time operating out of a three-point stance as a defensive end in a 4-3 scheme. On the Rams, Young is expected to add depth at outside linebacker, a position that is thin at the moment. “I’m a versatile player,” Young said. “In practice, I’ll be able to be just as effective coming out of a two-point stance, or whatever they ask me to do.”

Simmons & Farr on the Rams 2018 Draft

Deadpool sez:

This draft accomplished a few things:

1. It is insurance against OL injuries that the Rams magically avoided last year and I doubt they avoid this year.
2. They also added enough OL depth as to have to force a OT or OC in the first round next year. DL/Edge is deep in the first next year and maybe they get a guy like Clelin Ferrell, Austin Bryant, Montez Sweat, Joe Jackson (a personal favorite).
3. They added a ILB,(a second 1 in UDFA) and a bunch of edge rushers. Ogbo is a pass rusher, Young is a project that if he can get healthy is a steal and Lawler is a Barwin replacement that can also rush the QB. So they covered their bases in their one weak spot – LB
4. They added some actual 34 DEs. They really have 3 43 DTs on the starting DL right now in Brockers, Suh and AD.
5. they got a replacement for Lance Dunbar. As Gurley goes, so goes the Rams. I preferred Walton or Wadley or Chase Edmonds but I’m ok with Kelly.

Overall a solid draft where it was obvious due to lack of talent, teams where moving around for scheme and need fits. The Rams are not far from being a complete team and some of these picks are going to have to hit as you cannot pay everyone.

RB is set, WR is set OL is now deep and the only questions are backup QB and TE.

As far as defense, DL is set, LB is set and DB are set. Safety depth could be an issue.

As far as what I am paying close to attn to in next years draft class: NT (Suh is a 1 yr rental) Edge (its just so deep ) TE for the middle rounds. LT help because its a great class. And a backup QB.

3 (89) Joseph Noteboom

My bigboard comments:
134. Joseph Notebloom – OT – TCU- 6′-5″ 309 lbs. – Great size with room to grow, athletic and good footwork. Needs to be more consistant and learn how to really use his hands as a tool.

I thought they reached on him by a round, but he has rare feet for a guy his size and will continue to grow into that frame. I think with a year or 2 under his belt, he will learn to fight with his hands and along with added NFL weight room strength will give him a legit chance to start. My biggest concern is his lack of aggressiveness. That is inherent. Not taught. If he can’t get a little more nasty then he is, he is nothing more then a poor man’s Jason Smith.

I was thinking that Tyrell Crosby was the pick if it was a OT, but the more I got into him, the more I realized he is a RT only. I think the concussion angle lead to his slide on top of his limited position value.

My pick at OT was Cappa, but I think he is being projected at OG. Good for Humboldt State and good for this kid. Overall knowing how the draft turned out I am fine with this pick.

Josey Jewell went 5 picks before the Rams 1st pick in the 4th but they had the ammo to get him if they wanted him. They didn’t, they wanted Kiser.

4 (111) Brian Allen OC TCU

My bigboard comments:
218. Brian Allen – OC – Michigan State – 6′-1″ 298 lbs. – A strong, tough center that is sluggish in his movement. A workhorse.

My admitted blindspot is OC. I had him obviously as a reach. 117 picks too high, but I only had 2 true OCs rrated higher, Quessenberry and Boizeman and Bozeman wasn’t a scheme fit. Brian Allen come from a football family, was a stud HS wrestler, which means he knows how to manipulate an opponents weight and can use his hands really well. A leader (captain) as well. He is a bit stubby and is limited athletically but has a real chance to be a OC in 2 years.

This pick cost me Dorance Armstrong Jr., and at first I was upset but trying to be analytical it made sense and I felt better about the pick. I have been told to trust McSneads process with No Chainz, and Peters and Suh and Cooks. Well I am trying. And part of that means trusting the draft process. I think the Rams are targeting specific players and will stick to that plan. They knew OO would be there later and had a backup plan if he wasn’t.

Rock solid pick.

4 (135) John Franklin-Myers

No bigboard comments

Played in the NFLPA all star game and showed some pass rush ability. Nice length for a 34 end but I’m pretty sure is raw coming from SFA.

Was not on my stacked board or big board.

At the combine he looked tight hipped, he pops upright out of his stance instead of forward so he will get stood up at the next level and other then his 4.75 40 time, was not very explosive.

How he makes the team I have no idea. Andrew Brown made much more sense as a 34 end.Hurst at DL as well. Or a couple of TEs like Fumagalli or Schultz made more sense. My Cruikshank CB/S pick made a ton of sense.

Poor pick. see him on the PS. Or as Westbrooks dumbassery insurance.

5 (147) Micah Kiser – ILB – Virginia

My bigboard Comments:
128. Micah Kiser – ILB -Virginia – 6′-0″ 238 lbs. – A stat machine that is constantly coming forward and under control. @ 240 lbs, can hold his own, a bit tight but has made plays in the passing game.

Thank goodness. I love this pick. He diagnoses quickly, is built like a tank and with this line, he is going to just stack up stats. A plus blitzer, and I think has a real chance to be a starter sooner then later. He will be a fan favorite due to the fact when he hits you, you go down. He doesn’t over pursue and he loves contact. Intelligent as a bonus and a community leader, not just his team leader. I loved Denzel Perryman from the ’15 draft and I love this pick in the 5th as a close comp.

Love the pick.

5 (160) Ogbonnia Okoronkwo – Edge ­- Oklahoma

My bigboard Comments:
97. Ogbonnia Okoronkwo – Edge ­- Oklahoma – 6′-2″ 253 lbs. – A tad short, but explosive and makes plays. Takes a variety of paths to the QB but is too stiff to dip and rip to get the edge.

Wow, back to back picks I loved. He follows a theme of hard working, high motor, high effort winners. He will get after the QB and with the line in front of him he is going to get one on one matchups all day. THe only reason he slide is he is not 6′-5″. He is packed into a 6′-2″ frame. He takes different paths to the QB, will go low to get home, and can get narrow. He can get stonewalled, but will not give up on a play.

Great value meeting a need, great pick.

6 (176) John Kelly RB Tenn.

No Bigboard comments

THe only reason I didn’t include him on my bigboard was his misdemeanor pot possession and a slow 40 time. He would have been a 6th rounder if he ran in the 4.5 range. He has 3 down back size at 5′-10″ 215 lbs. Poor mans Kamara or maybe even Corey Clement come to mind. I preferred Akrum Wadlry, but no one else did, so shows what I know. He has power for his size, and plays like a 230 lb back. Little wiggle without homerun speed, but he catches the football and was highly productive. he could be a steal if he keeps his nose clean and his head down.

I like the pick.

6 (192 Jamil Demby OG – Maine

No Bigboard comments.

I mentioned him as a possible draft pick about a month ago. The Rams hired Liam Coen to be the QB coach, he was the OC at Maine, so he had to have some insight on him. Huge human being at 6′-5″ 320 lbs. Thank goodness our QB came from Ventura Community College and has the skill set to throw around him. He needs to be coached up but has natural strength and held up reasonably well at the Snead Bowl, I mean, Senior Bowl.

I preferred a number of guys including: Equanimeous St. Brown and marcel Ateman.

I was OK with this pick.

6 (195) Sebastian Joseph – DT – Rutgers

No Bigboard Comments.

This came from right field for me. They took the wrong Rutgers defender (Turay) He is big, strong and athletic that just never had the stats to match. High motor and maybe some upside.

I find it hard to see him making the team. PS possibility.

6 (205) Trevon Young -edge – Louisville

My Boigboard comments:
173. Trevon Young – Edge – Louisville – 6′-4″ 258 lbs. – a speed to power guy that has had serious medical issues so he either passes and gets drafted or fails the medicals and goes undrafted.

He is still recovering from a hip injury. He has not regained his flexibility yet, but his combine was promising. He could go 3 ways. Doesn’t recover enough to stick, recovers enough to stick on the PS or gets healthy and is the steal of the draft. He is my favorite type of edge. A speed to power converter with plenty of length and motor to really do some damage.

I liked Ola Adeniyi – Toledo or Ada Aruna – Tulane as safer picks. But:

If he is healthy, I love this pick.

7 (231) Travin Howard – LB – TCU

No Bigboard Comments.

WTH, I have no idea where he fits. He is a 210 lb. LBer. So a conversion to S? I prefer to convert CBs to S, like John Johnson. And if anyone forgets how much I loved John Johnson before anyone else, I will not allow that to happen.

My guess – ST help or bust.

My least favorite pick, but its the 7th round.

7 (244) Justin Lawler – Edge – SMU

No Bigboard Comments.

He is a replacement for Connor Barwin with the ability to rush the passer. A bigger edge (Strong side) at 6-4″ 265 lbs.

He’s another high motor, high character, strong but a little limited athletically, defender. I think he has a shot to make it.

I like the pick.

LB Tegrey Scales was grabbed in UDFA. He was a personal favorite of mine. And ranked 151 on my bigboard. NFL.com likened him to Brandon Marshall…with a 5th round grade.

My bigboard Comments:
151. Tegrey Scales – ILB – Indiana – 6′-0″ 230 lbs. – A bit undersized for an ILB at 6′-0″. +instincts and is always moving forward. Has trouble disengaging from blocks at times.

Five Takeaways: Rams 2018 NFL Draft

Myles Simmons

http://www.therams.com/news-and-events/article-1/Five-Takeaways-Rams-2018-NFL-Draft/6730a051-1ca4-4820-ae87-d23d564c7ebc

After three long days — mostly two, in Los Angeles’ case — the Rams have selected eleven players for their 2018 draft class. The group includes three offensive linemen, four linebackers, three defensive linemen, and one running back.

Here are five takeaways from the weekend.

1) Rams built offensive depth up front

Throughout the offseason, general manager Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay have consistently said they’d like to build depth on the offensive line. L.A. is well aware that the club was fortunate to get through all of 2017 with its starters available for each game. Now players like Joe Noteboom, Brian Allen, and Jamil Demby will all get a chance to learn behind the Rams’ current starting five. Plus, they’ll provide insurance in case of injury.

2) There will likely be competition at linebacker

The Rams already had Mark Barron, Cory Littleton, Bryce Hager, and newcomer Ramik Wilsonon the roster at inside linebacker. Now the club has two more players to compete for roles there with Micah Kiser and Travin Howard. Kiser in particular could be significant in the mix, as he recorded 408 total tackles, 33.5 tackles for loss, and 19.0 sacks in his four years at Virginia. McVay also referred to Kiser as a great communicator, which could be an indication of his potential to become a defensive signal-caller.

3) Depth for the D-line and edge rusher, too

The Rams already had 2017 AP Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald. Then they added another dynamic interior defensive lineman in Ndamukong Suh. With Michael Brockers, that’s a high-quality defensive line to start in a 3-4. But with Robert Quinn traded to Miami and Connor Barwin an unrestricted free agent, there are some potential roles available at edge rusher and within the rotation on the interior.

Enter John Franklin, Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, Sebastian Joseph, Trevon Young, and Justin Lawler. It’s much too early to make any kind of roster predictions, but based on when they were drafted, Franklin and Okoronkwo appear to have a strong chance to contribute in the Rams defensive rotation early on. Franklin slots in as a five technique, and Okoronkwo as an edge rusher. But time will tell how much — and how well — they perform.

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PHOTOS: Rams Draft War Room
4) Only one offensive skill player

After leading the league in scoring in 2017, the Rams drafted only one offensive skill player — running back John Kelly. In his three years at Tennessee, Kelly rushed for 1,573 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also caught 43 passes for 350 yards — including 37 in 2017 alone. According to McVay, Kelly should be able to come in and compete for a role on the offense, perhaps becoming a change-of-pace back to the workhorse, Todd Gurley.

But when it comes to skill players and draft picks, it’s worth noting that the Rams did use their first-round pick to acquire wide receiver Brandin Cooks.

5) There were a lot of trades

Los Angeles has made a total of 11 trades since the 2018 league year began involving draft choices, and made six of those over the final two days of the NFL Draft. Through the draft-day trades, Los Angeles was able to go from eight to 11 selections.

But one of those draft-day trades sent wide receiver Tavon Austin to the Cowboys in exchange for pick No. 192. The Rams eventually used that selection on offensive lineman Jamil Demby. Still, as Snead and McVay both said, it’s tough to let an established player go — especially one who has been with the team for so long.

Nevertheless, the trade is likely best for both the player and team.

Lions GM Bob Quinn on the value of scouting the @seniorbowl. (All of the Lions’ picks yesterday participated this year.) pic.twitter.com/DzPkIoAy81

— Chris Burke (@ChrisBurkeNFL) April 29, 2018

In need of linebackers, Rams didn’t panic in early rounds of NFL draft

RICH HAMMOND

link: https://www.ocregister.com/2018/04/29/analysis-in-need-of-linebackers-rams-didnt-panic-in-early-rounds-of-nfl-draft/

The empty seats in the linebackers’ meeting room could have caused the Rams to panic.

Alec Ogletree, gone. Robert Quinn, gone. Connor Barwin, gone. What remained? One starter, Mark Barron, and eight other linebackers, a collection of unproven young hopefuls and NFL career drifters.

So the Rams looked at their list of draft picks, already dwindled by trades, and knew they needed linebackers. Then they promptly used their initial three picks on an offensive tackle, a center and a defensive end. After four rounds, the Rams hadn’t picked a linebacker. No panic.

By the end of the draft, the Rams had acquired four linebackers, one of whom is being heralded as a potential “steal.” The position remains a concern, but the fact that the Rams didn’t overreach simply to put warm bodies in their linebackers’ room speaks to the progress they’ve made in the past 15 months.

Among their 11 picks in this year’s draft, which ended Saturday, the Rams brought in edge rushers Ogbonnia Okoronkwo (fifth round, from Oklahoma) and Trevon Young (sixth round, from Louisville) and inside linebackers Micah Kiser (fifth round, from Virginia) and Travin Howard (seventh round, from TCU).

It’s folly to grade a draft class before a single game has been played, but it’s fair to be impressed with what the Rams pulled off, and perhaps it’s an indication of growing cohesion within the organization.

“I think going into year two,” Coach Sean McVay said after the draft, “you can be a little more strategic with some of the needs. Because collectively, as a coaching staff and with our personnel staff, we have a much better idea of how our players that have been here fit, and the way we want to utilize them.”

By comparison, 2017 must have felt like a white-knuckle ride. The Rams hired McVay on Jan. 12, exactly 15 weeks before the start of the draft. During that time, the Rams brought in an almost entirely new staff of assistant coaches, overhauled their offensive and defensive schemes and fired four scouts.

At that point, McVay and General Manager Les Snead still were learning about each other. They faced the dire task of improving a team that had gone 4-12 in 2016, amid national-media reports that the relationship between Snead and then-coach Jeff Fisher, and their respective staffs, had become “toxic.”

Now, it seems, much has changed. McVay and Snead breezily toss praise to each other, and the Rams seem to have a firm idea of their identity and how they want to get things accomplished.

That confidence manifested itself at the draft. The Rams built depth along an aging offensive line and brought in tackle Joseph Noteboom (third round, from TCU) and center Brian Allen (fourth round, Michigan State). Defensive end John Franklin (Stephen F. Austin) arrived late in the fourth round.

Then, in a series of jiu-jitsu-style moves, the Rams made multiple trades and got their linebackers. The transaction with the potential to be remembered for a long time is the one that brought in Okoronkwo.

The Rams, in March, sent a fifth-round pick to Denver to acquire veteran cornerback Aqib Talib. Then, on Saturday, the Rams got that pick (No. 160 overall) back from the Broncos, in exchange for two sixth-round picks, and used it on Okoronkwo, a selection heralded by some draft pundits this weekend.

Okoronkwo is a speedy outside linebacker who could pair nicely with Samson Ebukam, a 2017 draft pick who is expected to inherit a starting job as an edge rusher this season.

The Rams also traded picks with Green Bay, moved down in the fifth round and drafted middle linebacker Micah Kiser, a tackle machine from Virginia who is well-regarded for on- and off-field intelligence.

Kiser could contend for playing time with third-year linebacker Cory Littleton, who is expected to inherit Ogletree’s old job alongside Barron in the middle of the Rams’ defense. They also added potential depth with the additions of Louisville’s Young in the sixth round and TCU’s Howard in the seventh.

The new picks are expected to join their veteran teammates in two weeks, as part of the Rams’ offseason program, and then the true evaluation process will begin. It seems, though, that the Rams did a solid job of filling holes, even though they lacked first- and second-round picks for the first time since 1984.

Snead spoke at length this week of his admiration for lesser-known Rams staffers, including area scouts and even the folks who drove potential draft picks to the airport as part of their official visits.

“All of that, it’s a great process,” Snead said. “Sean’s staff, they’re involved, and when you get involved in the personnel side, it’s not easy. There’s a lot of extra work on your plate and they do a heck of a job. This day couldn’t have gone as smooth as it did without their work.”

Each Rams pick analyzed: After trades, depth is draft goal

Brugler, NFLDraftScout.com

https://www.themaven.net/nfldraftscout/news/each-rams-pick-analyzed-after-trades-depth-is-draft-goal-fBZrrzrNcU6YQqXU9glFDA/?full=1

After a wildly active and impressive early offseason in which the Los Angeles Rams used a flurry of trades and free agency signings to add cornerbacks Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib, defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh and wide receiver Brandin Cooks to dramatically improve their already loaded roster, they enjoyed a quiet first two days of the NFL Draft.

That’s because Cooks cost them their first-round pick this year – 23rd overall – and the trade for wide receiver Sammy Watkins last year came at the expense of their second-round pick this year.

Not that they minded whatsoever.

“When you take all things into consideration, what we were able to acquire for what we were giving up, we felt very strong about it,” Rams head coach Sean McVay said. “We feel really good about Brandin Cooks. If you told me we would get a player like that at (No.) 23, I’d be throwing a pool party and I don’t even have a pool.”

Nevertheless, it meant the Rams didn’t make their first pick until No. 89 overall – after yet another trade during the third round – which they used to add Texas Christian tackle Joseph Noteboom.

The 6-foot-5, 300-pounder is not expected to earn a starting job as a rookie – and if all things go well health wise ideally he won’t see the field much at all – but the Rams definitely view him as a viable swing lineman who can step in early and contribute if needed and potentially be a long-range starter option.

“That’s a spot where you want to be able to have depth,” McVay said. “Unfortunately, we know that injuries and things come up, and when you have guys who had that type of range, that type of length and athleticism, to be able to play left and right, that’s very valuable for us.”

The Rams are set at both tackle spots with Andrew Whitworth on the left side and Rob Havenstein on the right – but Whitworth just turned 36 in December and Havenstein is in the last year of his rookie deal.

Noteboom could be an eventual replacement for one or the other.

But for now, he will be a developmental player working under the watchful eye of Whitworth, Havenstein and Rams offensive line coach Aaron Kromer.

“Joe is a lucky man,” Rams general manager Les Snead said. “I don’t think any offensive tackle will be in a better situation. That’s Andrew, that’s Coach ‘Krome,’ that’s Rob Havenstein, that’s all of our guys. It’s a perfect situation for him to come in and learn from one of the best.”

​

A closer look at the Rams’ picks:

Round 3/89 — Joseph Noteboom, T, 6-5, 305, Texas Christian

The Rams got lucky last year staying healthy on the offensive line, but they absolutely understand they need more depth. Noteboom fits that bill as a versatile, athletic tackle they believe can contribute early as a fill-in. Long range, he immediately becomes a candidate to be the eventual starter at either right or left tackle.

Round 4/111 — Brian Allen, C, 6-1, 298, Michigan State

With the first of their two fourth-round picks, the Rams circled back to offensive line to select Allen, a tough, hard-nosed fighter whose tenacity makes up for below average athletic ability. Allen will learn under veteran center John Sullivan and could be a candidate to replace him in the future.

Round 4/135 –John Franklin-Myers, DE/LB, 6-4, 283 Stephen F. Austin

The Rams have a need at outside linebacker in Wade Phillips’ 3-4 defense, and Franklin-Myers certainly profiles best at that position although he might land at defensive end as well. A three-year starter, the explosive small-school standout has shown a penchant for making plays behind the line of scrimmage, including the 13.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks he registered last year. Seems like a perfect development candidate under Phillips.

Round 5/147 — Micah Kiser, ILB 6-0, 238, Virginia

After trading Alec Ogletree to the New York Giants, the Rams had to fill his spot at inside linebacker and Kiser, a smart, productive thumper immediately jumps into the mix. A third-team All-America and first-team All-ACC pick, Kiser finished with 145 tackles, including 9.5 for loss and five sacks. A smart, instinctive player whose anticipation and awareness makes up for a lack of ideal athletic ability.

Round 5/160 — Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, OLB, 6-1, 242, Oklahoma

The Rams traded up to the fifth round to steal the Sooners’ still developing edge rusher, who should benefit playing under Wade Phillips while bringing an instant burst in the pass rush. Okoronkwo amassed 17 sacks and 29 tackles for loss over his last two seasons, flashing a real ability to make plays behind the line of scrimmage.

Round 6/176 — John Kelly, RB, 5-10, 216, Tennessee

Although Todd Gurley II proved last year he is a true three-down running back capable of being a factor in the pass game, the Rams can use a change-of-pace option and Kelly brings that sort of skill set. A bit undersized, he nevertheless runs with passion and toughness and can catch the ball out of the backfield.

Round 6-192, — Jamil Demby, G, 6-5, 319, Maine

A four-year starter at tackle, Demby projects inside at guard in the NFL and has ideal size and just enough athletic ability to pull it off long range. The Rams value intelligence along the offensive line, and Demby brings that having earned his degree in kinesiology at Maine. Demby doesn’t have to play immediately, but he has projectable attributes to be a future swing rotation player.

Round 6/195 — Sebastian Joseph, DT, 6-4, 305, Rutgers

A three-year starter with toughness and suddenness in the run game, Joseph has a chance to earn a spot in the defensive line rotation. His non-stop motor will serve him well as he transitions to the next level.

Round 6/205 — Trevon Young, OLB, 6-4, 285, Louisville

The Rams loaded up again at outside linebacker as they try to play the numbers game on filling their need for pass-rush pressure off the edge. Young battled injuries during his career at Louisville, but finished strong in 2017 by starting 11 of 12 games and finishing with 62 tackles, including 12 for loss, and 4.5 sacks and five pass breakups.

Round 7/231 — Travin Howard, LB, 6-1, 213, Texas Christian

A highly productive player, Howard is the first player in TCU history to lead the school in tackles three straight years. From the outset, he will be a strong special teams candidate.

Round 7/244 — Justin Lawler, DE, 6-4, 265, Southern Methodist

The Rams continued to load up on pass rushers with the addition of Lawler. An instinctive player with a nose for the ball, he wrapped up his four-year career at SMU by registering 9.5 sacks in 2017.

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PARAM sez

I called in to Moving the Chains this week, while they were grading/discussing each teams draft to ask them if they take into consideration the players gained by traded picks (Cooks, Peters, Talib, in particular)? Kirwan said he absolutely did. Said he had Cooks written down in the first round on the Rams list of picks. When I pressed him on what he thought of the Rams draft he complemented it by talking about Noteboom. I asked about Allen, Jim Miller chimed in talking him up. Kirwan then mentioned Kiser and said he might be the best pick of the lot. In the end, like everybody else, they don’t know any more when it comes to who will stick and who won’t. One comment that really stood out was Kirwan saying the Rams are now a tough team to “make”. I think we miss that a bit and when taken into consideration, makes the execution of this Rams draft even more impressive. Many, if not most of these guys may end up on the PS.